You've probably seen the term serif before, and you might even know what it means: A serif is the small detail, or tail, that extends from the end of the core strokes that comprise alpha characters. A sans serif font doesn't have these details.

When choosing a font, be sure to consider how readers will view the document:

A serif font is easier to read in print, such as reports, books, catalogs, and newspapers.

A sans serif font is easier to read on a computer screen, such as fill-in forms and Web pages.

Experts theorize that the serif details help people read groups of words instead of single words. This seems to work well in print but not on screen.